Duration
28,5h Th, 3h Pr
Number of credits
| Specialised master in nuclear engineering | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The ex cathedra part of the course covers the following main topics:
- Corrosion phenomena: description and occurrence
- Electrochemical and chemical study of corrosion problems: basic equations, user diagrams and practical examples
- Detailed study of frequently occurring corrosion types (e.g. pitting, IGA, SCC, ...): setting
and context, explanation, influences of the environment and material properties - Methods of corrosion prevention and protection (design aspects, coatings, water treatment and inhibitors, electrochemical methods)
- Effects of radiation on corrosion (e.g., irradiation assisted corrosion)
- Corrosion problems in nuclear reactors: material behaviour and material requirements, technological aspects and environment-sensitive damage, with emphasis on light water reactors, in general, and steam generators, in particular
- Reactor pressure vessel life management: material degradation issues, legal context, advanced analysis and mitigation
- Fuel cladding and stainless steel degradation under irradiation
- Advanced treatment of irradiation effects in materials: radiation damage mechanisms at microscopic level
- Basic measurements: source strength, neutron flux (activation analysis, neutron counting), neutron spectrum (time of flight methods, unfolding methods), reaction rates
- Activity, dose and cross-section measurement
- Measurement of neutron transport parameters: stationary methods, pulsed neutron experiments
- Measurement of reactivities (and reactivity coefficients): survey, static methods, dynamic measurements, inverse kineticsStatistical fluctuation method: reactor noise, mathematical
analysis, applications (Rossi-alpha, sign correlations, zero crossings)
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
To provide the students with a comprehensive treatment of the corrosion and embrittlement degradation mechanisms of materials in nuclear environment.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Basic knowledge of materials science, chemistry and electrochemistry.
REFERENCE BOOKS ON PREREQUISITE
- See website www.sckcen.be/bnen, Brochures and Info, Background books W. D'haeseleer (mathematics)
- See introductory chapters in references above
- See also: Roberge, P.R., Handbook of Corrosion Engineering, McGraw-Hill, 1999.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)
- 1 t.m.
- Visits to SCK*CEN laboratories (especially hot cells)
Recommended or required readings
- Fontana, M.G., Corrosion Engineering, 3rd Ed., McGraw-Hill, 1986.
- Bogaerts, W.F., Active Library on Corrosion (CD-ROM), 2nd Ed., Elsevier, 1998.
- Benjamin, M., Nuclear Reactor Materials and Applications, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1983.
- Glasstone, S. & A. Sesonske, Nuclear Reactor Engineering, 4-th Ed, Vol 1, Chapman & Hall, New York, 1994 (Chapter 7: Reactor Materials, pp 406-462).
- Cahn, R.W., Haasen, P., Kramer, E.J., Materials Science and Technology, Volume 10 B,
Volume editor Frost B.R.T. , Chapters 7-9
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam, written preparation.
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
Contacts
Eric van Walle: eric.van.walle@sckcen.be